In Section 3.2 we study the distribution, composition and changes in organic material that take place over geologic time. Our investigations span the time from the beginning of life on Earth more than three billion years ago to today. In this sense, organic geochemistry can be viewed as forensic science that combines aspects of geology, chemistry and biology and applies them to a colossally long time scale. Molecular and microscopic fossils provide the indicators on which we base our reconstructions of past events and ecosystems. We not only perform basic research, but also work closely with petroleum industrial partners to investigate the processes which lead to the development of fossil fuels.
Our research falls into five categories:
JUBILEE MEDAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA 2017
The Jubilee Medal of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) was initiated in 1945 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Society. It is awarded annually for a paper of particular merit published in the South African Journal of Geology, or in special publications of the Society.
The paper entitled “Lateral and temporal variations of black shales across the southern Karoo Basin - Implications for shale gas exploration” in the South African Journal of Geology has been judged as being the best paper in 2017. The presented analytical results were gained in the framework of the master thesis by Naledi Chere who spent one year in Sec. 3.2 for laboratory work at GFZ.
The award was announced at the GSSA Annual General Meeting in Johannesburg on July 26, 2018 and was formally presented at the Society’s Annual Fellows Dinner at the Johannesburg Country Club, Woodmead on November 14, 2018.
Chere, N., Linol, B., Schulz, H.-M., de Wit, M. (2017): Lateral and temporal variations of black shales across the southern Karoo Basin- Implications for shale gas exploration. - South African Journal of Geology, 120, 4, pp. 543-566. DOI: doi.org/10.25131/gssajg.120.4.543
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